Author: Blake Foster

Prisoners are “living in squalid and chaotic conditions” while backlogs in sentence calculations means some being released too early and others held after they should have been freed, according to HM Inspectorate of Prisons. There was “a widespread lack of care” for prisoners at risk of self-harm, with wardens supposed to care for those needing constant supervision who were found to be reading books, asleep and in one case absent — despite three suicides this year alone. An ‘Urgent Notification’ has been issued to the Justice Secretary by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor. “Pentonville is an overcrowded Victorian prison,”…

Camden Council last Monday agreed to push forward with plans to restrict motor vehicle access around the independent St Margaret’s and St Luke’s Church of England school in Hampstead after opposition councillors asked for the decision to be reconsidered. In May, the borough had moved to ban cars from surrounding streets during the schools’ opening and closing hours from Monday to Friday during term times, as part of its goal to cut traffic, make roads safer and encourage children and parents to walk to school. But resident Naomi Gordon said the scheme’s design was “disproportionate and irrational” and would “punish people and…

Habitat for Humanity – a charity which helps people across the world access decent housing – has opened its first community hub in the country at the ReStore in High Street. The hub will focus on supporting women and families at risk of homelessness or housing poverty by offering resources, activities and a safe space. Henrietta Blackmore, national director of Habitat for Humanity, said the charity hope to find areas in the community where they can “really make a difference”. Taster activities like upcycling were held at the launch (Image: Habitat for Humanity GB) READ MORE: Romford youth band to represent…

The Lammas School, part of the Griffin Schools Trust, has been recognised for its hard work and commitment to improvement. The Ofsted inspector noted that the school has made rapid progress since the last visit. Carla Kenny, executive head, leads The Lammas School (Image: The Lammas School) Executive head Carla Kenny expressed pride in the school’s achievements. She said: “We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the progress we are making at Lammas. “Our vibrant school community – from our dedicated staff to our passionate and diverse students – is united in its commitment to continuous improvement and creating positive…

Here’s everything you need to know: Tuesday to Friday, July 22–25 Late night/early morning service changes Between Monday and Friday, engineering work overnight on the Southeastern network will affect the following services: Tuesday to Friday – From 11.55pm until end of service, accessible buses will replace trains between Beckenham Junction and Orpington, calling at all stations. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – From 12.30am until end of service, trains towards Orpington and Sevenoaks will not stop at Lewisham. There will be an additional late-night service to Lewisham, departing London Cannon Street at 12.57am on Wednesday, and London Charing Cross at 12.53am on Thursday and Friday. This service runs non-stop between London Bridge and Lewisham. Lewisham…

Enfield Council says the proposal is part of City Hall’s ‘vision zero’ target for no deaths or serious injuries on roads, and will also help tackle the climate emergency and encourage more people to walk and cycle. Residents have until Sunday, September 21, to have their say. On its website, the council said: “We are proposing to introduce a 20mph speed limit on most residential roads and streets in and around town centres.  “Larger strategic roads, such as the A10 or North Circular (A406), and roads not managed by Enfield Council, are not included in this proposal.”  Detailed maps showing…

They are part of the TwelveTrees Park development which has reached a key milestone with the delivery of 110 ‘affordable’ homes and the bridges as part of the transformation of a former Parcelforce depot. Led by the Berkeley Group in partnership with the Greater London Authority, Newham Council, Homes England, and Peabody, the 26-acre site is set to deliver more than 4,700 homes and significant new infrastructure when complete. The first completed homes include 45 social rent and 65 shared ownership properties. The urban garden view of how the new development could look (Image: Berkeley Group) Tom Copley, deputy mayor of London…

The animated series, Activate, aims to make exercise enjoyable for kids and is freely accessible on The Body Coach’s YouTube channel. The launch took place at Ripple Primary School in Barking, attended by Wicks and health secretary Wes Streeting on Monday, July 14.Wicks led a workout with the school children and showed the first episode of Activate. Wicks said: “Activate is the natural next step in everything I’ve worked towards over the past decade. “My goal has always been to get children moving and feeling good physically and mentally.” Mr Streeting added: “Childhood obesity robs our young people of their future, and…

Inspectors praised Wood Field Primary School’s ambitious ethos, exceptional teaching and positive environment. The school on Stanley Park Road’s motto, “we are limitless,” sets the tone for what Ofsted called a “vibrant, happy and inclusive school” where pupils thrive both academically and personally. Inspectors found that children across all year groups achieve “extremely well” and benefit from a curriculum that goes beyond national expectations. From their earliest days in the classroom, pupils are nurtured by strong relationships and inspired by high expectations. Staff are praised for their clarity, subject knowledge and ability to support every child including those with special…

The works, set to take place from Monday, July 21 to Friday, July 25, will affect key routes in south London. Trains between London Victoria and Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham and Bognor Regis, and Chichester and Brighton are all set to be disrupted. Some lines between Barnham and Havant will be closed, which will affect the 9.35pm train from London Victoria to Portsmouth Harbour. This train, which usually separates at Barnham to form the 11.15pm Barnham to Bognor Regis service, will instead run through to Portsmouth Harbour. The 11.15pm train will run separately from a different platform. The 4.55am Chichester to…